Recently, we had the pleasure of spending three nights in Greyton, a small town nestled at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa. Our trip was an excellent opportunity to explore the vegan food scene in the area and enjoy some much-needed R&R.
On our way to the small town, we stopped at Peregrine Farmstall in Grabouw, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. At bargain prices, we picked up some delicious gourmet plant-based chicken mayo sandwiches (R39), plant-based pies and sausage rolls (R36), and plant-based carrot muffins (R20) (total: R95). These items were not only tasty, but they were also affordable, making them an excellent option for a budget-conscious foodie. Finding something like them in Cape Town is impossible for the same price!
We stayed at Old Potter’s Inn, a cosy and quaint guesthouse that needed a bit of TLC but had a fantastic pool area. Unfortunately, the town is battling loadshedding, affecting many small businesses and guesthouses. Despite this challenge, we enjoyed our stay and made the most of our time in Greyton.
We visited Via’s for our first dinner in Greyton, where Bae had incredibly fresh sushi, and I had an outstanding veggie burger. For our first low-key dining experience, we were happy!
The next morning, we followed our yoga, exercise, and meditation routine before walking around town. We grabbed coffee at The Hub and Spoke, which had a lovely atmosphere (as we sat on a swing bench in the garden), but their coffee was more expensive than in Cape Town. They need to clarify their vegan food options for customers, as the information we received after our enquiry could have been more specific. Still, they had a good selection of vegan treats (biscuits, rusks, etc.). We also had breakfast at Pure Cafe, which was no longer exclusively vegan but had a few additional vegetarian options. We enjoyed their Full English Breakfast, which included a Beyond Sausage, Just Egg with cheese, fried tomato, mushrooms, baked beans, spinach, and toast. The new owners were hospitable, and we recommend this spot to anyone visiting Greyton.
We also bought some art at David Kuijers, a great way to support local artists and take home a unique souvenir from our trip.
For lunch, we visited Maanskyn, which was an absolute standout. Their falafel on flatbread with hummus, salad, beetroot, carrot, and Danya sauce was incredible. We loved the owner’s passion for feeding people and enjoyed chatting with her about her story.
After many walks and swims at the Old Potter’s Inn, we had drinks at The Post House, a charming sundowner spot.
Dinner was at Abbey Rose, a Greyton institution. I had a lentil moussaka that was more like lentil bolognese with potato slices on top, but it was delicious. Bae had mushroom risotto, and we both left feeling very satisfied.
We returned to Pure Cafe for breakfast again before leaving because it was a great deal and tasty. We also revisited Maanskyn for lunch, where I had the butternut soup with flatbread, and Bae had the salad of the day. Both were fantastic.
Our final dinner was at Rupert’s Bistro, who kindly made us arrabbiata pasta (for Bae) and a leek and courgette risotto for me (both R166pp).
We made new friends during our trip, and the locals were incredibly friendly. We were also charmed by the horses and cows that roamed the streets freely en masse. Plenty of walking routes up and around the mountains for all fitness levels made it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
One thing to remember when visiting Greyton is that restaurant opening and closing times can be odd, so it’s essential to plan your meals accordingly if you’re looking for vegan options. We also heard that Oak & Vigne Cafe offers a soy mince vetkoek option, but we still need to try it.
If you’re in Greyton on a Saturday, check out the famous Greyton Saturday Morning Market. However, we were disappointed to find no vegan options available.
Overall, our trip to Greyton was a wonderful experience. We enjoyed exploring the vegan food scene, supporting local businesses, and making new friends. It is an excellent destination for those looking for a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
We look forward to returning soon!
